Landscape 

Editor: Here we have David Cox's diminutive "Landscape," from the Tate. It's rendered in monochrome washes, and the layering creates a really moody effect. What strikes you about it? Curator: The density of the brown wash is quite compelling. Notice how the artist modulates the tone to create spatial recession. The horizontal bands create structure. What do you observe about the brushstrokes themselves? Editor: They seem very loose and gestural. It looks like he worked quickly. Curator: Precisely. The visible texture and energetic application of the wash become significant compositional elements. We can analyze how the materiality contributes to the sense of immediacy. Editor: It’s interesting how the technique really impacts the overall feeling. Curator: Indeed. Paying close attention to the formal elements gives us a vocabulary for understanding the artwork.